Roatan Snorkeling.

It's hard to go wrong snorkeling anywhere on Roatan. That said, there are good and better places to snorkel. Here are three great ways to get the most out of your next Roatan Snorkeling experience.

1. Queen Victoria.

PAID: The first is aboard Queen Victoria. The Queen Victoria Catamaran can take passengers to hard to reach places, otherwise inaccessible from the shore. The ship is large and stable in the water. That makes it easy for guests to get in and out of the water. The drawback here is that you'll need to be part of a larger group, or else Queen Victoria won't sail.

See Rates →

2. Scuba Shop.

PAID: The Scuba Shop offers a beautiful snorkeling experience. They are located in Pristine Bay, French Harbour, arguably the best Lagoon between a barrier and Roatan’s shore line. During this tour, you'll dip below the surface to get an excellent glance at the mesoamerican reef system.

Visit Scuba Shop →

3. West Bay.

FREE: West Bay offers world-class snorkeling. The annual Freediving Competitions are held in this very spot every year. The water is calm, clear, and the reef is only a few strokes away from the shore. Boat traffic is further out, so it’s safe to snorkel. A drawback to this option is that it is a well-known snorkeling site, so expect company.

1. Queen Victoria.

Roatan Snorkeling is a world-class experience for many good reasons. For starters, the coral reef around Roatan is a barrier reef. As such, the reef formations are majestic and offer several unique characteristics which are not common elsewhere. Barrier reefs are loosely shaped like a wall or barrier, hence the name. The wall provides two very different snorkeling experiences. On the inside (the area between the barrier wall and the shoreline) the snorkeling experience is calm and picturesque, filled with colorful corals, turtles, and large schools of fish in sheltered waters. Outside the barrier, the water turns deep blue the current picks up, and the snorkeling experience overlooks a coral wall which disappears into the abyss. There are larger fish outside the wall and several shipwrecks along the edge of the wall. The views are spectacular.

About the Catamaran.

The Queen Victoria is a newly built catamaran boat, 60 ft in length, 24 ft wide, and has two 450 lbs of horsepower engines. The double hull, large standing area, rooftop, makes for a smooth and comfortable ocean ride. The views of Roatan from the water's edge offers a beautiful perspective of Roatan. You'll have the perfect view of the islands canopy, its beaches, and most importantly, its coral reefs.

PRO TIP: Snorkeling outside the wall is only recommended for experienced swimmers who understand ocean currents.

Sunset Tour Details.

The tour leaves from West Bay beach or Gumbalimba Park.

Dance along with our friendly staff to our onboard music, delight with some chilled mixed drinks at our open bar and party while taking in the panoramic views of our coastal waters. 

Sunset Tour.

• Duration: 3 hours

• $65-$35 kids

• two departures

Cruise through the shopping village of West End and take a glance at one of our friendly bottle nose dolphins in Sandy Bay located at the Institute for Marine and Science near Anthony’s Key.

PRO TIP: Snorkel option is available

All-Inclusive Catamaran.

• Cruise Lines only

• $95-$65 (kids)

• Includes Transportation

• Lockers: $5

BOOK SNORKELING TOUR →

All Inclusive Catamaran, Snorkel, & Beach Party - Details.

Dance along with our friendly staff to our onboard music, delight with some chilled mixed drinks at our open bar and party while taking in the panoramic views of our mangroves and iron shore. 

Cruise through the shopping village of West End and take a glance at one of our friendly bottle nose dolphins in Sandy Bay located at the Institute for Marine and Science near Anthony’s Key.

Take a dip and Snorkel at one of the marine parks prime snorkel sites where you’ll see lots of colorful fish & coral, but that’s not all, finish the day with our live reggae band at Tabyana beach.

Beach Party

• Cruise Lines only

• $65-$35 kids

• Lockers: $5

• Transportation included

BOOK SNORKELING TOUR →

All Inclusive Beach Party only - Details.

Have a party get-away in Roatan’s famous Tabyana Beach in West Bay.

AVAILABLE DRINKS →

• Local beer & Rum

• Vodka, Tequila

• Juices

• Sodas & Water

AVAILABLE FOODS →

• Shrimp or Chicken Kabobs

• Rice, Beans & Coleslaw

PRO TIP: Tour Includes beach chairs, restrooms, fresh water showers

Cayos Cochinos

• All day

• $180

• Two Departures

BOOK SNORKELING TOUR →

Cayos Cochinos Day Trip - Details.

Tour departs from from West Bay, Gumbalimba Park or from the location nearest you.

AVAILABLE DRINKS →

• Local beer

• Rum, vodka, tequila

• Juices, Sodas & Water

AVAILABLE FOODS →

• Chips & Salsa

• Fruit Platters

• Veggie Platters

• Deli & Cheese platters 

MAIN DISH: Grilled chicken, rice and beans, tortillas and chismol

Pigeon Cays

• All day

• $180

• Snacks & Drinks

BOOK PIGEON CAY →

BOAT RIDE TO PIGEON CAY

$180 (leaves from west bay, Gumbalimba Park or your nearest location)

Drinks: local beer, rum, vodka, tequila , juices, sodas & water.

Snacks: chips and salsa, fruit platters, veggie platters, deli & cheese platters, 

Main dish: Grilled chicken, rice and beans, tortillas and chismol

Media Luna

• Half a day

• $100

• Snacks & Drinks

BOOK MEDIA LUNA →

MEDIA LUNA TOUR 

This half day tour departs from West Bay, Gumbalimba Park, or your nearest location.

The tour includes: local beer, rum, vodka, tequila , juices, sodas & water.

Snacks: chips and salsa, fruit platters, veggie platters, deli & cheese platters, 

Main dish: Grilled chicken, rice and beans, tortillas and chismol

Blue Hole Party

• Half day

• $75

• Snacks & Drinks

BOOK BLUE HOLE →

PARTY AT BLUE HOLE DETAILS

Party at the blue hole with shore side lunch @ fort consolation

$75 (leaves from west bay, Gumbalimba Park or your nearest location)

includes: local beer, rum, vodka, tequila , juices, sodas & water.

Snacks: chips and salsa, fruit platters, veggie platters, deli & cheese platters, 

Main dish: chicken kabobs, rice and beans, tostones & chismol

Snorkel Tour

• Sightseeing (2 hrs)

• $35

• Snacks & Drinks

BOOK SNORKELING TOUR →

CATAMARAN SNORKELING TOUR

Snorkel tour and sightseeing (2 hours)

$35 (departs from west bay beach or Gumbalimba Park

Sightseeing: west end shopping village, iron shores, mangrove@mangrove bight and glance at the bottle nose dolphins in sandy bay.

Snorkel: tons of Snorkel sites to pick from inside of Roatan’s marine park and get ready to see lots of colorful fish & coral.

includes: local beer, rum, vodka, tequila , juices, sodas & water

Snacks: chips and salsa

Fishing Charter

BOOK FISHING CHARTER →

CATAMARAN FISHING CHARTER

1/2 day: $400

Full day: $600

Includes: fishing gear

Drinks: local beer, rum, vodka, tequila , juices, sodas & water.

Snacks: chips and salsa, fruit platters, veggie platters, deli & cheese platters, chicken skewers

Catamaran Rental

BOOK PRIVATE CHARTER →

CATAMARAN DAY RENTAL

• Rent the boat for a day w/ captain & crew

• $2,000 inshore

• $3,000 offshore

Personal Gear

• Pros & Cons

• Risk & Tips

• Snorkeling Theory

WHY BRING YOUR OWN EQUIPMENT

Many of our guests choose to bring their equipment. There are many reasons why this may be a good idea. Here are a few of the most common reasons why you should bring your snorkel if at all possible:

1. You will be sure the equipment fits perfectly

2. Upgraded features like splash guards and anti-fog technology

3. Built-in camera mounts

PRO TIP: The optimum snorkel length is 16 inches (40 centimeters) as a longer snorkel would not allow breathing when snorkeling deeper. This is because your lungs would be in a deeper water column where the water pressure would be too great, and your lungs would not be able to inflate on an inhale. The muscles that expand the lungs are just not strong enough.

RESPIRATORY DEAD SPACE

When a snorkeler inhales, he takes in some of the previously exhaled air that remains in the snorkel from a previous exhale. This, in turn, can result in a build-up of carbon dioxide in the blood and that in turn can lead to hypercapnia in the worst case scenarios and over a long exposure period.

A snorkel with a smaller diameter reduces the dead volume. But smaller diameter snorkels require more exertion when breathing as the air resistance is greater.

PRO TIP: Exhaling through the nose when while snorkeling can reduce the carbon dioxide build up in the snorkel and This practice also helps keep a scuba mask clear of water.

Roatan Snorkeling tours on Queen Victoria are the top rated snorkeling tours on Roatan. So grab a mask, your snorkel, a set of fins, and join us on one of our daily snorkeling adventures in the beautiful waters around Roatan. Join us for a full day of adventure as we move the Queen Victoria around to several beaches, keys, inlets, and reefs.

About the Tour.

Snorkeling with the crew of the Queen Victoria is a grade above going at it on your own. The crew sails out of the south, west, and northern sides of Roatan.

Snorkeling Tours pair well with visits to Gumbalimba Park and West Bay beach. A tour on the Queen Victoria is more than just a snorkeling tour; it's also a boat tour.

Depending on the route you sail, the boat captain will take you to see dolphins, small cays, different beaches, and you may even find your self swinging off of a rope swing off of the iSoar boat.

Gear & Amenities

Bring your smile and swimwear, and we'll handle the rest. Our tour operators will mask, fins, snorkels, and life jackets available in case you don't have your own.

PRO TIP: Don't forget your sunglasses!

The vessel is equipped with surround sound and two diesel engines, and it is large enough for you and your group to sit together. There are bathrooms aboard Queen Victoria so bring a change of close if you need to change into dry cloth after your snorkel.

Safety and Precautions.

• Our guests are required to wear life jackets while in the water.

• All guest must remain aboard the Queen Victoria while the engines are on.

• There will always be a tour guide in the water with our guest and a spotter on deck.

• Please stay off the coral. Do not touch the marine life and be sure only to leave your bubbles behind.

Tour Pricing (At-A-Glance) →

Snorkeling is arguably the most popular recreational activity on Roatan. This is particularly true because Roatan enjoys year-round tropical weather and crystal clear waters. The primary appeal of snorkeling is the opportunity to observe underwater marine life in a natural setting and without bulky scuba equipment. Snorkeling is also appealing because it does not require specialized training like does scuba diving.

PRO TIP: Scuba divers use snorkeling technique and gear while on the surface.

Snorkeling Pro.

The Scuba Shop offers a beautiful snorkeling experience. They are located just across from Little French Key. From there, they take you to great snorkeling spots, including the Prince Albert shipwreck. You’ll get a short boat ride out of the experience, and you'll also have the option to visit Little French Key, which is a top Caribbean destination.

Video of Scuba Shop Snorkeling sites →

a. Check in.

Once you arrive at the Scuba Shop, the team will make sure you have the proper gear (fins, mask, lifejackets) for your snorkeling tour. Then you'll have a short briefing about where you will snorkeling. After the briefing, you'll take a short boat ride to the reef. After the snorkeling tour, you'll have the option of stopping by Little French Key for lunch.

b. Boat Ride & Snorkel.

An added perk to snorkeling at the Scuba Shop is that you'll get a short boat ride. Some of Roatan's best snorkeling sites are located just a few minutes away from the Scuba Shop marina. During your tour, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a boat ride and some of Roatan's best-snorkeling destinations.

c. Lunch at Little French Key.

After the snorkeling tour, the Scuba Shop will take you to Little French Key for a meal with a view. Little French Key is routinely voted a top destination in the Caribbean, and the Scuba Shop will take you there after your snorkeling experience has concluded.

Most Popular.

West Bay offers world-class snorkeling. The annual Freediving Competitions are held in this very spot every year. The water is calm, clear, and the reef is only a few strokes away from the shore. Boat traffic is further out, so it’s safe to snorkel. A drawback to this option is that it is a well-known snorkeling site, so expect company.

Snorkeling scenes filmed on West Bay →

a. Location.

The geographic positioning of West Bay beach makes it a world-class destination for freediving. The orientation of the island shelter the beach from high currents and the wind. The result is stunning glass-like waters, perfect for snorkeling.

b. Snorkeling Spot.

Once you get to West Bay, you'll want to go to the westernmost part of the beach. The waters in front of Infinity Bay Hotel and to the Grand Roatan Hotel are perfect for snorkeling. The waters here are calm, and the reef is the most stunning.

c. Precautions.

While the water directly in front of West Bay beach is very calm, there are two main precautions to take into consideration. The first is the point of the island. Two currents meet directly at the tip of the island, and they can be dangerous, so be sure not to drift past the area in front of the beach. The second precaution has to do with boat traffic. The western side of the beach has the least amount of boat traffic.